Leonard Green & Partners LP’s Deal for Lucky Brand Jeans

In December, private equity firm Leonard Green announced it was buying Lucky Brand for $225 million, leaving the seller, Fifth & Pacific Cos. Inc. (NYSE: FNP), with only one remaining brand – Kate Spade.

Hudson’s Bay Co.’s (TSX: HBC) Saks Inc. Buy

Hudson’s Bay, which already owned department store chains Hudson’s Bay, Lord & Taylor and Home Outfitters, added luxury department store chain Saks for $2.4 billion in a deal that closed in November.

Hanes Brands Inc.’s Acquisition of Maidenform Brands Inc.

Hanes’ purchase of Maidenform for $583 million added the Maidenform, Flexees, Lilyette, Self Expressions and Sweet Nothings brands to Hanes’ holdings, which already included Playtex, Bali, Just My Size, Barely There, Wonderbra, Champion and L’eggs. Besides production synergies, becoming a larger company could give Hanes more leverage with department stores. The deal closed in October.

Lowe’s Companies Inc.’s (NYSE: LOW) Orchard Supply Hardware Grab

In August, hardware giant Lowe’s closed a $205 million deal for 72 Orchard Supply Hardware stores in California in a sale facilitated through bankruptcy court. The transaction gives Lowe’s an expanded presence in California, where it said it was underpenetrated.

Gap Inc.’s (NYSE: GAP) Purchase of Intermix Holdco Inc.

Gap agreed to pay $130 million for retail chain Intermix in a deal that allows the buyer to break into a new segment of the market. As the company’s first acquisition since 2008, Intermix adds a specialty store, with a very select assortment of clothes, to Gap’s holdings, which include Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta and Piperlime.